If you love the comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar and creamy cheesecake, then these Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a must-try! These soft, pillowy cookies combine the best parts of churros, cheesecake, and donuts into one indulgent treat. Rolled in a sweet cinnamon sugar coating, each bite melts in your mouth with a balance of spiced warmth and rich, creamy goodness. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy weekends, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. For an extra touch of decadence, try drizzling them with a cream cheese glaze or pairing them with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. However you enjoy them, these cookies are guaranteed to be a new favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Mix in egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Blend in cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Cool cookies on a wire rack.
- While cookies are still warm, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: ~ | Servings: 24 cookies
The Inspiration Behind Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
This cookie is inspired by three beloved desserts:
- Churros, the classic Spanish and Mexican fried dough pastry rolled in cinnamon sugar. Their warm, crisp exterior and sweet spiced coating are an absolute delight.
- Cheesecake, known for its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet profile, provides the perfect contrast to the warmth of cinnamon.
- Donuts, the airy, soft, and slightly chewy fried treat, add an element of fluffiness to these cookies.
By combining the best aspects of each, we get a cookie that is buttery, rich, soft on the inside, with a slightly crisp, cinnamon-sugar coated exterior a true treat for the senses.
What Makes These Cookies So Special?
1. Perfect Texture Balance
One of the things that makes these cookies stand out is their texture contrast. The inside remains tender and moist, thanks to the cream cheese, while the outside gets a slight crispness from the cinnamon sugar coating.
2. Rich, Buttery Flavor with a Hint of Cheesecake
The addition of cream cheese to the dough creates a subtle tangy undertone, balancing out the sweetness and richness of the butter. This helps prevent the cookies from being overly sweet while giving them a unique depth of flavor.
3. A Cinnamon Sugar Coating That Adds the ‘Churro’ Factor
Rolling the cookies in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon immediately after baking gives them that classic churro-like taste. You get a deliciously sweet, spiced, and aromatic bite every time.
4. Easy to Make & No Frying Required
Unlike churros and donuts, which typically require frying, these cookies are baked—making them much easier to prepare without compromising on flavor.
How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
There are countless ways to enjoy these cookies. Here are a few ideas:
1. Pair with Coffee or Hot Chocolate
These cookies taste even better when paired with a warm drink. The cinnamon-sugar coating enhances the depth of flavor in coffee, while hot chocolate adds an extra layer of indulgence.
2. Add a Cream Cheese Glaze
For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle these cookies with a sweet cream cheese glaze made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk.
3. Serve with Ice Cream
These cookies make a great base for ice cream sandwiches. Try pairing them with vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon ice cream for a truly unforgettable dessert.
4. Dunk Them in Milk
Like classic cookies, these churro cheesecake donut cookies are delicious when dunked in a glass of cold milk.
Fun Variations to Try
1. Chocolate Drizzle or Filling
- If you love chocolate, try drizzling melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies.
- You can also create a chocolate-filled version by adding a small chocolate or Nutella center before baking.
2. Stuffed Cheesecake Center
- For an extra creamy texture, make an indentation in the dough and fill it with a small dollop of sweetened cream cheese before baking.
3. Spiced Up Sugar Coating
- Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon sugar coating for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
4. Gluten-Free or Keto-Friendly Version
- Use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose baking mix to make these cookies gluten-free.
- Swap sugar for a keto-friendly alternative like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing at Room Temperature
- These cookies are best when fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To maintain their crisp cinnamon sugar coating, avoid refrigerating them, as moisture can make the sugar dissolve.
Freezing Instructions
- You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls into a ziplock bag.
- When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
- If freezing baked cookies, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – No frying required!
- Unique & creative – A fun twist on classic flavors.
- Soft & chewy inside, slightly crisp outside – The ultimate texture combination.
- Perfect for any occasion – Great for holidays, parties, or just as an indulgent treat.
Conclusion:
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies bring together the comforting flavors of cinnamon, the creamy richness of cheesecake, and the soft, donut-like texture in one delicious bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a household favorite.
